Executives named to help revamp Talbots

HINGHAM, Mass. Talbots today announced that it has named two senior executives to help realign the Talbots brand.

Michael Smaldone has been named to the newly established position of chief creative officer. According to the company, he will oversee the direction and delivery of the Talbots brand image. Smaldone was most recently senior vp of design at Ann Taylor. Previously, he served as chief design officer of Anne Klein and creative director of Elie Tahari.

Basha Cohen joins Talbots as evp and chief merchandising officer of the Talbots brand. Previously she served as evp of design and merchandising at the Kellwood, where she was responsible for conceiving and launching a new business division - Dockers Women’s. She also served as senior vp of women’s product development at J. Crew, as well as senior vp of design and buying at Laura Ashley PLC.